More than 36,000 people have fled Sudan's Kordofan region since the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) took control of El Fasher, intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the region. Meanwhile, a light-hearted exchange between Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the APEC summit has garnered media attention, highlighting the complexities of international relations amidst rising tensions.

Sudan's Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
The International Organization for Migration reported that from October 26 to October 31, approximately 36,825 individuals fled North Kordofan state as violence escalated following the RSF's takeover of El Fasher. The region has become a battleground in the ongoing civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF. Many of the displaced are seeking refuge in Tawila, a town already sheltering over 652,000 displaced individuals. Residents have noted a significant increase in military presence, with reports of heavy clashes and fears of further violence prompting many to abandon their farms.

Concerns over Atrocities
Martha Pobee, Assistant UN Secretary-General for Africa, raised alarms about potential "large-scale atrocities" and ethnically motivated reprisals by the RSF, echoing past violence in Darfur. Sudan's ambassador to Egypt accused the RSF of war crimes and urged the international community to classify the group as a terrorist organization. Pope Leo has called for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian corridors to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the conflict.

Xi Jinping and Lee Jae Myung's Exchange
At the APEC summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, a humorous moment unfolded between Xi Jinping and Lee Jae Myung when Lee joked about the security of smartphones gifted by Xi. The exchange, which involved a playful reference to potential backdoors in the devices, drew laughter from both leaders and highlighted a rare moment of levity from Xi. This interaction has sparked significant media interest, as Xi is not typically known for humor, especially regarding sensitive topics like cybersecurity.

Implications of the APEC Summit
The meeting between Xi and Lee was significant not only for its lighthearted moments but also for its potential impact on diplomatic relations between China and South Korea. Lee's spokesperson noted that the interactions during the summit helped build personal chemistry between the two leaders, which could influence future negotiations and cooperation.

Wrap-up
As the humanitarian situation in Sudan deteriorates, the international community faces increasing pressure to respond to the crisis. Simultaneously, the light-hearted exchanges between leaders at the APEC summit reflect the ongoing complexities of global politics, where humor and diplomacy intersect amidst serious challenges.

Sources
theguardian.com
newsis.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team